Ep 14. Dragon Boat Festival - Hong Kong

In this episode of Fantastic Festivals of the World, season 2 episode 14, viewers are taken to Hong Kong to experience the vibrant and exciting Dragon Boat Festival. The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Tuen Ng Festival, is a traditional Chinese festival that has been celebrated for over two thousand years. This festival is held on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, which usually falls in May or June.

The Dragon Boat Festival is an important part of Chinese culture, as it is a day to remember and honor the great patriotic poet, Qu Yuan. Qu Yuan lived during the Warring States Period of China and was known for his deep love for his country. When his country was invaded by enemy forces, Qu Yuan drowned himself in the river out of despair. It is said that the people of his hometown raced out in boats to try and save him, but were unsuccessful. To commemorate his death, people started to race dragon boats on the river, which eventually turned into a festival.

The Dragon Boat Festival in Hong Kong is a grand affair, with dragon boat races being conducted across the city. The episode takes viewers to one of the biggest races in Hong Kong, held at the Stanley Main Beach. Here, viewers can see the excitement and energy of the festival, with teams competing against each other to be the first to cross the finish line. The boats used for these races are long and slender, with dragon heads and tails attached to them. The boats are paddled by a team of rowers, accompanied by a drummer who keeps the pace for them.

Apart from the dragon boat races, the episode also takes viewers to the various markets and stalls set up during the festival. These markets sell everything from traditional Chinese snacks and sweets to handmade crafts and souvenirs. The markets are bustling with people, with the sounds of vendors haggling and the aroma of delicious food in the air.

The Dragon Boat Festival is also known for its traditional foods, which have special significance during the festival. The episode highlights some of the most popular dishes, such as sticky rice dumplings known as zongzi, which are wrapped in bamboo leaves and filled with a variety of fillings like pork, beans, or mushrooms. Another traditional dish served during the festival is glutinous rice with lotus leaves. These dishes are not only delicious but also have a lot of cultural significance in Chinese cuisine.

The festival also has a lot of cultural performances, which are also highlighted in the episode. These performances showcase traditional Chinese music, dance, and martial arts, all of which add to the festive atmosphere of the Dragon Boat Festival.

Overall, the episode captures the essence of the Dragon Boat Festival in Hong Kong. It showcases the excitement of the dragon boat races, the hustle and bustle of the markets, the delicious food, and the cultural performances. It's a feast for the senses and a reminder of the rich cultural heritage of Hong Kong and China.